getting organized and giveaway!

We are just 5 days away from Ava starting Kindergarten... {sighing}, and I can't express enough what a whirlwind of emotions, events, excitement, and oh yes, organization has been happening around here. I'm a huge fan of to-do lists. I love to see my pink highlighter cross over the tasks I've been procrastinating. The problem I have been still struggling with though, is that my process of organization - sometimes needs organizing itself.

Lo and behold - last month, 2 Moms Media, LLC shared the release of some Blue Sky Home Series products that could help me wager my priorities, get me back on track and plan a week, month and year in advance - just in time for our new school year.



Judging by the amount of activities we have done {and didn't miss} as a family this past critical month, shopping and getting everything on the list {instead of several trips}, and event planning for... well events I didn't think I'd even have the time for... I'd say my new Weekly/Monthly planner has won me over. The main reason being its got ample space to jot down the small details - before the bigger stuff can be accomplished - efficiently.

I also love how this gives me an overview of what's been done - kind of like a family journal of our days. For those unexpected plans, I'll go back and add it, like date nights, or trips to the sno cone stand {smiling}. I also love its big size. I can tote it around by itself {and it won't get lost}.

The other product I'm loving is my new mouse pad - which is how it should have always been - a mouse AND a pad. Instead of cluttering the inbox, or getting sidetracked, I make a quick note on this pad to "do" later... or notes to self to go back online and shop for.  which ahem... I've been doing a lot lately with school supplies. This product is genius!



If you don't have a magnetic pad on the fridge already to capture your grocery list - you really should. Alongside the children's artwork, I've added this to the fridge to help me keep track of exactly what it is that we're out of.... facial moisturizer... ketchup... you get the idea.

It's also helped us avoid wandering the grocery store aisles and overbuying stuff we don't really need. Aaron can grab this sheet and know exactly what to get {its organized by category} on his way home, and even minimize the trips to the grocery store to once a week! The Grocery Checklist magnetic notepad is a win-win!


We also got a Don't Forget To door pad - which I haven't had a chance to use yet. But I can see this being useful for Aaron - on his way out the door... like pick up dry cleaning... call the pool guy... bring home fresh flowers for your wife...

And what makes this entire line genius? There are lots of formats to choose from - whether you like small wallet-size planners, or large calendar sizes... its all designed by Susy Jack* Contemporary Paper - so everything coordinates... are available at Target {now through September}... and range in price from $4 - $10!


And now for the giveaway! 
Blue Sky Home Series has graciously offered to send an Art of Family reader a sampler set of their products to try out for themselves - just in time for the new school year! Maximum 3 entries per household. Here's how:


Leave a comment below sharing your favorite organizational tip AND do one of the following:


1} Subscribe to The Art of Family. {See left-hand column}
If you are already a subscriber, try 2 & 3.

2} Follow me on Google Connect. {See left-hand column}
If you are already connected, try 1 & 3.

3} Share this post's link to your Facebook, spread the word!
If you don't have a FB account, have a friend join through Google Connect. and also leave a comment, and then leave a comment yourself letting me know.

If you do all 3 - that's 3 separate entries and more chances to win! If you have any questions - just let me know! Good luck!

Rules: The giveaway ends at 11:59 PST on August 21 and is open to US & Canadian residents only. I will draw a winner at random on August 22 - and post the winner's name. Please be sure you leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Disclosure: I received assorted product samples from 2 Moms Media, LLC for this review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. The views and opinions expressed here are all of my own.

Ramadan 2011 - Family Resources

I can't believe its already August! And Ramadan is here!! A time to slow down and be mindful of ourselves, spiritually and physically, and of those around us in our communities, family and friends.

Of course I think that should be a daily thing for us all - but life gets in the way sometimes. Like for me, my intense anticipation of Ava starting school has been bubbling up inside of me for the past month now- so I'm not completely myself these days. Everything feels so rushed, even maddening at times. We're even taking on some home renovations too... and well, there's finances to contend with... and the list goes on.

Yesterday was the first day of Ramadan... {exhaling}... and I'm looking forward to the next 29 days of practicing these better habits. Over the course of the month we'll be posting Ramadan related stories... and Eid celebration ideas, but for now, I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite resources about our holiday:

Educational References
What is Ramadan? -  Wikipedia, BBC News, and About.com 
The Whitehouse - President Obama's Message



Curriculum and Teaching Ideas
Lifetime Learning at Home - A wonderfully organized homeschool blog outlining projects and teachings for preschoolers.


Books

My First Ramadan by Karen Katz. I bought this book several years ago and its genuinely a great book to introduce children to Ramadan basics and cultural traditions practiced all over the world. Ava loved all of Katz' books as a toddler. Her lift-the-flap books mimic curiosity while others integrate lessons about sharing, being a big sister, and even controlling emotions - all are so graphically portrayed through color and exaggerated shapes. So to have this book as part of our collection by Katz, is a lot of fun.

Reading scripture from the Quran is essential - and a copy of My First Quran Storybook is a great foundation to start with. Written for the younger set in mind, this is a great book to read together as a family and explore the historical time line of how things came to "Be" as well as the moral messages and teachings. It also sparks great conversation - like the Story of Prophet Noah - and the kids want to know "why?" Growing up, I learned not to question the stories from our Holy Book. Seeing my own children ask in the same wonder, compels us to openly discuss and share what we each think. And of course, there will be open ended responses, that even they are content with. These are treasured conversations indeed.

There are terrific online resources too - from educational teachings ideas, photography from all over the world. Here are my favorite picks:


Creativity

Used with permission: Ramadan Joy

Ramadan Joy is a creative companion for families during the month of Ramadan, and includes wonderful arts and crafts ideas, fun recipes, sewing projects, and gift ideas. The "Ramadan Joy" and the "Barakah Life handmade" blogs are part of Barakah Life, a Creative Living company offering products, classes and workshops. Owner Khadija is also co-founder of  Creativity and the Spiritual Path, a platform of creative conversations, with artist Peter Gould {also worth checking out! especially his artwork for kids!!}

Used with permission: Handmade Beginnings

I'm also in love with Handmade Beginnings - this Mom's entire blog is dedicated to nourishing and educating beginnings with her own children - from Islamic teachings, to Montessori lesson plans, as well as ideas for crafts, recipes, and so much more. Check out her blog for ideas and daily inspiration!

Crayola never disappoints - we've used their coloring pages last year - and plan to again this year. There are other ideas for older children to try their hand at geometric art and portraits.

Photography
Photography has a special place in my heart. And it sings when the kids get behind the lens too, or browse through pictures with a sincere appreciation and remembrance of the moment passed. Looking at Ramadan photos from around the world - makes us feel smaller, yet collective.. and of course, makes us crave traveling to see these these places for ourselves...

Times Live,  The Washington Post, USA Today and of course, Peter Gould!

summer camps and classes

SavvySource, an online source by parents - for parents, is always one step ahead, and is now featuring a full online source to help parents locate a summer camp or class near you! Summer? Already? Just getting use to Spring? Oh yes. Spring is when we plan for summer... And finding a summer camp during the summer months isn't as easy as just dropping in. Registration is required - and they fill up early. And if you have two in tow like I do, you'll want to make sure there's room for them both {plus most offer a sibling discount}. You can research what's available in your city by visiting Savvy's Camp Classes right here.

Attending a summer day camp is an exciting venture for us. Even though most families think of this as a break between the school year, for us, {since we haven't technically started school} its a chance to try out an entirely new adventures that isn't offered any other time of the year. 

One of the places we love to try each year are the Little Explorer classes offered by the Nature and Science Museum. Here's Noah learning about volcanoes - needless to say, this one was a hit! More about this class and projects here.

From museums to ranches - this is when we can join in with other kids and take advantage of facilities that may otherwise be filled with day-to-day members or visitors. I had a lot of fun researching summer day camps in Dallas - and I'm thrilled to say, there's lots to choose from. I see a summer day camp as an investment and experiment - to try something new and see how the kids respond.

Who knows... maybe Ava has a natural knack for horseback riding, or Noah baking baklavas {oh I wish!}, or just good 'ol fashioned swimming lessons... {hard to choose right?} But that's why its all listed right there for you on SavvySource.

If you already pre-registered, or are returning to a camp your kids love, please share!

take the parent quiz!

There's a new widget on the site (see left) from SavvySource, an online parenting website where parents can talk, ask questions, track their child's developmental stages and more. You can personalize your membership, share photos and tips on favorite toys, books, and places to visit locally.

Take the quiz by clicking the widget on left - or join by visiting SavvySource.com today.

And to my local Moms, the Dallas group needs you! We're a big town - with lots of parenting choices (best playgrounds, restaurants, what to do when my kids throws a tantrum at the library... that sort of thing). So join us. Add your friends. Talk - and let's share the wealth of wisdom we are learning through this crazy thing called parenting!